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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1918 Vision of Howard Hickman
Deciphering the layers of The White Lie (1918) reveals the complex thematic architecture established by Howard Hickman. Utilizing a 1918-specific aesthetic that remains timeless, it stands as the definitive 1918 statement on cult identity.
In The White Lie, Howard Hickman pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
To fully appreciate The White Lie, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1918. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and Howard Hickman was at the forefront of this cult movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Howard Hickman's style and the core cult narrative.
Gordon Kingsley lives happily with his wife Dorothy and little daughter Mary Jane. However, when he visits the home of San Francisco architect Frank Mason, he is stunned to find a portrait of his own wife and daughter. Suspecting the worst of Dorothy, he hires a private detective. Soon after, Gordon asks Frank to design his new house, and Dorothy, fearing that he knows of her association with Frank, slips the latter a note arranging a private visit in his apartment. Frank, a reformed thief, refuses to stage a robbery with his old accomplices, and when they are arrested, one of the gang accuses Frank of informing the police and kills him. Arriving at his apartment, Dorothy assumes that Gordon killed him and is hiding the body when a detective enters. Unaware that Gordon is in the next room, Dorothy confesses that, unable to have a child, she had secretly adopted Frank's baby in Gordon's absence. Relieved, Gordon forgives his wife, while the real murderer is caught and arrested.
Decades after its release, The White Lie remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Howard Hickman's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.